. >> translator: our late commander kim jong-il would be so happy to hear that the launch was successful. i'm sure that by following the instructions of kim jong-un our country will become strong and prosperous. >>> the launch given officials around the world a lot to think about. japan's defense minister says his country needs to equip itself against developments. >> translator: we have to admit that north korea's missile technology is improving. this will pose various security problems to japan. as well as other countries in the region. >> he says the launch shows japan must maintain a sophisticated and effective missile defense system. >>> security analysts are busy examines what the north koreans have achieved. 32 years in the maritime self-defense force. nhk's shery ahn spoke with him earlier. >> defense minister said that north koreans' technology seems to be quite advanced. what do you think they improved upon? >> of course. north korea is improving the missile technology continuously and they got the basic technology of ballistic missile now. usually the improving the technology